Zygophyllaceae (Tribulus)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Tribulus (cistoides)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Zygophyllaceae

Family Common Name:
Creosote Bush Family

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Tribulus

Species:
cistoides

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
L.

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
Nohu

Species Code:
TRICIS

Ecotype:
Midway Atoll

General Distribution:
Indigenous to Hawai'i. Native to the Old World, now pantropical and widespread in Polynesia and in Micronesia. It usually grows on sandy shores, but is occasionally found inland in open places at up to 400 m elevation. In Hawai'i, occurring in coastal habitats, 0-50 m, on all of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands except Gardner Pinnacles and Necker, also on all of the main islands. One of the most common littoral species found on most of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Many seabirds nest in or use nohu for nesting materials.

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
plants

Propagation Method:
vegetative

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:
3.5 in containerized cutting

Grow Time:
5 Months

Target Specifications:
Height: N/A
Caliper: N/A
Root System: Firm root plug in container.

Propagation Collection:
Collecting cuttings: For collection of native plants to propagate by cuttings, you will need: gloves, clippers, zip-lock or plastic garbage bag for collection, and some water. Collect plants from the site, taking care to take only what you need. Collect from areas that have a large enough population so that damage will be minimal. Gently pull or cut strands of plants from main patch. Place in trash bag or plastic bag. Add a small amount of water to bag and store in a dry, cool, shady area.

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:
Cuttings can be stored overnight, but immediate propagation following collection is best.

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Rooting Percentage: 75 to 85%.
Work in a shady area once back in the nursery. Use clean 3 «" pots arranged in tray. Use well drained potting mix. Fill pots about1/3 full. Cut plants into desired lengths, at least 3 nodes per strand (6-8 inches in length). Place about 3 strands in each pot. This is done because the success rate for cuttings is usually not 100% but more like 75-80% and so using a few strands per pot increases the likelihood that at least 1 strand per pot will be successful. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix. Water daily. Cuttings need to be kept in a moist humid environment. In the nursery, this can be achieved by misting plants several times during the day to keep them moist.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
The nursery's irrigation system is comprised of sprinkler heads which are manually operated. The sprinklers are misters and should be maintained so that they flow freely. Potted plants are watered daily, either in the morning or the evening. Potting media is Sunshine Mix potting soil, and is used in a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 (v:v) potting soil to sand ratio. Diseases and insects are controlled by removing them manually off plants, sticky traps or using a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse soapy solution off plants after a few hours. Row covers physically prevent insects and birds from landing on plants.

Establishment Phase:
Plants will form roots in 2 to 3 weeks.

Length of Establishment Phase:
2 months

Active Growth Phase:

Length of Active Growth Phase:
2 months

Hardening Phase:

Length of Hardening Phase:

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:
Vegetative propagation is quicker than seed propagation with this species.

References:
Bornhorst, H. L. 1996. Growing native Hawaiian plants, a how-to guide for the gardener. The Bess Press, Inc., Hong Kong.

Bruegmann, M. M. 1998. Report on a botanical survey of Midway Atoll, April 1-7, 1995. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Christophersen, E. and E. L. Caum. 1931. Vascular Plants of the Leeward Island. Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 81, Tanager Expedition Publication Number 7, Honolulu.

Lilleeng-Rosenberger, K. date unknown. Propagation techniques for native Hawaiian plants. National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Morin, M. and S. Conant. 1998. Laysan Island ecosystem restoration plan. University of Hawai'i.

Neal, M. C. 1965. In gardens of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press, special publication 50, Honolulu.

Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i, 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83, Honolulu.

Whistler, W. A. 1992. Flowers of the Pacific island seashore. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu.

Citation:
Martz, Kim; Starr, Forest. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Tribulus cistoides L. plants 3.5 in containerized cutting; USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Honolulu, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/24). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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